Ajia vows to end political patronage, promises merit-based jobs, functional institutions in Kwara
The 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kwara State, Prof. Abdulmumin Ajia, has promised to dismantle political patronage in public service and establish transparent systems for employment, education, healthcare and access to government services if elected.
Ajia said his administration would replace a system in which citizens depend on political connections to access opportunities with functional public institutions driven by merit, accountability and clearly defined procedures.
He made the promises during the News Keg engagement organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, in Ilorin.
“My goal is that people should not need to know me personally before they get things done,” he said, identifying security, enterprise, education, health, infrastructure and good governance as the six pillars of his proposed administration.
On education, Ajia pledged to rehabilitate existing public schools, recruit qualified teachers, provide essential facilities and introduce measurable learning standards in reading, writing and mathematics.
He also promised open recruitment exercises based on identified vacancies, assuring qualified applicants across the state’s 16 local government areas of equal opportunities.
“If you come out and work tirelessly to get me elected as your next governor, you will have a predictable hiring season,” he said.
The university don further promised universal health insurance coverage, improved remuneration for healthcare workers, industrial hubs with reliable electricity, support for small businesses and faster processing of land titles.
He also proposed establishing a medical sciences university and developing specialised tertiary institutions to address the state’s educational and manpower needs.
On security, he advocated stronger collaboration among government, security agencies and communities, alongside support for displaced families and farmers affected by insecurity.
Earlier, Chairman of the News Keg Committee, Ibrahim Alege, represented by former Correspondents’ Chapel chairman, Abdulhakeem Garba, challenged governorship aspirants to move beyond political slogans and present practical, achievable development plans.
He described News Keg as an independent platform for scrutinising political actors, stressing that it was not designed to endorse any candidate or political party.
The Chapel Chairman, Alhaji Biola Azeez, also acknowledged Ajia’s presence and reaffirmed the chapel’s commitment to promoting accountability and meaningful public engagement.
Ajia, an economist, academic and entrepreneur with over 26 years of professional experience in Nigeria and the United States, is contesting with Ajayi Israel Awolowo as his running mate.
